Volunteering Overview

Approximately 4,500 people are currently volunteering with AFS-USA. In order to become a volunteer, individuals must complete an application, background check, reference check and online orientation and speak to a staff person or local volunteer. To remain a volunteer, individuals must re-register annually by reviewing their application, answering a few legal questions, and completing a background check. For many of our volunteer roles, additional training is also required.

Volunteer Roles

There are a variety of volunteer roles and tasks at AFS-USA. Volunteers can take on longer-term roles like being a liaison for a full school year or small tasks like helping to plan an event. Our volunteer positions are flexible, and each volunteer can determine their own AFS journey. Volunteers are encouraged to reach out to their Team’s Volunteer Coordinator to learn more about how they can best use their time and talents. If your team does not have a Volunteer Coordinator, do not hesitate to contact your TDS to help you connect and integrate with the team. To learn more about some of the volunteer roles we have at AFS-USA click here.

Volunteer Training and Education

Continuous learning and improvement is one of the core values of AFS-USA. This value states, "We believe that learning, and in particular intercultural learning, is a basis for creating social change for the betterment of a worldwide community. We believe that continuous learning and personal growth must begin with us. We are dedicated to building our knowledge and skills and we will innovate in order to make ‘what is’ better and to make ‘what can be’ a reality."

In accordance with this core value, AFS-USA strives to provide volunteers a journey that encourages increasing their knowledge in intercultural learning as well as support the development of the skills and knowledge needed to effectively perform their AFS volunteer tasks and roles. This learning journey includes training (online and in-person) as well as other resources and materials for volunteers to explore.

Volunteer Recognition

Volunteerism and the role volunteers play in our organization is key to the AFS mission. That is why recognizing the work and the contributions made by AFS volunteers locally and globally is so important. There are several ways in which AFS recognizes our volunteers both nationally and internationally. To learn more about those awards and how you can nominate a volunteer in your area, click here.

National Advisory Groups and Committees

AFS-USA has several Advisory Groups and Committees. These groups are comprised of volunteers and staff who meet regularly and work together to develop recommendations and/or implement changes in specific areas in AFS-USA. All Advisory Groups and Committees have a clear set of guidelines that determine the make-up and scope of the group.